Some Islanders still waiting for fix to stop 'forever chemicals' from contaminating their drinking water

Some Islanders are growing concerned about a class of chemicals known as PFAS in their tap water and said the province hasn't given them any information about possible solutions to the problem.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — or PFAS — are man-made chemicals used for their water- and heat-resistant properties. They might be found in everyday products like cosmetics and packaging, and in industrial products like fire fighting foam and construction materials.

A report from the federal government said exposure to these ‘forever chemicals’ can be harmful to the body, including the liver, kidneys, immune system, reproductive system and nervous system.

The community of Hazelbrook is one of many areas across the province impacted by PFAS. The province is supplying bottled water to 10 homes after tests showed high levels of PFAS in well water.

"We are quite concerned,” said Hazelbrook resident Doug Jenkins. 

“That's something you go to bed at night thinking about and wake up in the morning thinking about. Is this water going to exacerbate any conditions or create new ones? It's quite stressful.”

Jenkins said he uses bottled water for simple things like brushing his teeth, but worries about the impact of coming in contact with the water for other daily activities like showering. 

Health Canada has set a benchmark of 30 nanograms per litre for 25 specific PFAS in drinking water, but Jenkins said his water tested up to 30 times that limit.

What’s making the problem worse is there's no clear solution in sight. He said the government hasn’t provided any answers about what the short and long-term options are to fix the contaminated water. He said his well hasn’t been tested since February and the province hasn’t responded to letters he sent months ago.

"You would think after 10 months somebody would have some direction as to where we're going," said Jenkins.

And he’s not alone, other residents haven’t been given any updates from the province either.

"I guess everybody is sort of in a limbo,” said Donnie Gallant, who also hasn’t had his water tested since earlier this year.

"I was sort of surprised about that a bit,” he said. “I thought they might re-check it to see if the levels are going up or down or just staying where they are."

In April, the province told CBC News that a ‘preliminary review’ showed a construction and demolition site nearby could be the problem. It was decommissioned over a decade ago and the property is now owned by the province.